Objective: To modify the orthodontic self-cure acrylic resin with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) by two methods: surface coating and powder modification, then various properties of the modified resin were evaluated.
Materials and Methods. Four groups were evaluated, groups I, II, III were prepared by mixing MPC with the powder at 0 wt% (control), 3 wt%, 4.5 wt%, while group IV was prepared by surface coating method. The surface topography of the resin specimens was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). All specimens were tested for flexural strength, antibacterial activity, colony forming unit (CFU) count, water sorption and micro hardness. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc LSD analysis.
Results: All modified groups exhibited high resistance to candida albicans adhesion, the highest resistance was recorded for MPC coated specimens with significant difference. No antibacterial property was recorded for all groups. Flexural strength and microhardness of MPC modified specimens showed non-significant change compared to the control group, while there was significant increase of water sorption of MPC coated specimens.
Conclusions: Orthodontic self-cure acrylic resin modified with incorporation of 4.5% MPC significantly reduced (CFU) count without any jeopardizing effect on physical and mechanical properties, while surface coating method recorded a significant high water sorption value.